Flow immunosensor method and apparatus

Abstract

A method of detecting a target moiety comprising the steps of (a) providing an antibody specific to the target, (b) saturating the binding sites of the antibody with a labelled form of the target, (c) flowing a liquid containing the target past the saturated antibody, thereby (d) allowing the target to displace the labelled antigen, and (e) detecting the displaced labelled antigen with a detector for the label. Also, the invention is accomplished by a flow immunosensor comprising: a liquid flowing through the immunosensor for moving a sample through the immunosensor; a receiving means for introducing the sample to the liquid stream; a flow control means for moving the liquid stream through the immunosensor; an exchanger connected to the sample receiving means in which the sample is brought in contact with labelled antigens of the target and whereby any target present is allowed to displace the labelled antigen; a detection apparatus connected to the exchanger for detecting any labelled antigen which is released; and a disposal means connected to the detection apparatus for disposing of or collecting of waste coming from the detection apparatus.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.